WATFORD, England — After more than nine months of recovery — and an international flight to the United Kingdom — T.J. Hockenson returned to practice Friday as the Vikings opened his 21-day evaluation.

Hockenson has attacked the rehab process since suffering a torn ACL on Dec. 24 against Detroit. He credited the Vikings organization for its approach to his recovery and for not putting a specific timeline in his head but enabling him to accomplish "hundreds" of goals.

The drive and determination — and an overnight charter — led him to a beautifully maintained pitch painted with NFL hashmarks and end zones that was installed at The Grove in 2008, in the early days of setting up the London Games for what the series has blossomed.

A sign of those sprouts stretched for several yards as students from Brookside Primary School, Jerounds Primary School, Featherstone Primary School and Trafalgar Junior School formed a long tunnel with hands extended as Hockenson and teammates headed from a tented locker room to the green grass.

Hockenson flashed a "rock on" symbol with his left hand on his first few steps before jogging through the groups of young people who had participated in an NFL Flag clinic.

"He took part in practice in a limited capacity, which was great to see," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said after practice. "Long time coming for T.J. — looked really good today."

Hockenson has been running routes on air for multiple weeks, but Friday marked the first time he was able to catch passes from newcomer Sam Darnold, who has been a central figure in Minnesota's 4-0 start and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.

"To be able to add another piece to the weapons that we already have, obviously, would be huge for us," said Darnold, who has spread the ball around effectively for explosive gains and on shorter touchdowns in the red zone. Darnold has thrown a touchdown to Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver in the past two weeks.

Hockenson spoke with Twin Cities media members on Wednesday.

"It's obviously been a long journey, but I'm excited to finally be back out here," Hockenson said. "It's kind of like riding a bike. I'm just excited to get back out there with the guys.

"There's a vibe around here, but there always is," he added. "However the guys are doing, I want to be out there with them.

"Sam's been balling. All the guys have been balling, [Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor], the tight ends, we've had a couple of 'tuddys' the past couple of weeks, so I'm just excited," Hockenson said. "When I get out there, I like to have fun and put a smile on people's faces. I'm just excited to enjoy the moment with the guys and continue to be part of this team and bring a vibe we already have but that I can continue out on the field."

Hockenson didn't shy away from the fact that the rehab process can include some grueling tests not only physically but mentally, as well. He said his support group helped whenever he was in a "dark place."

"You dig into who you are as a person, what kind of support group you have," he said. "To be part of the Minnesota Vikings, and part of the staff and to have my family and people around me, my wife has been incredible.

"I can't say enough good things about the Minnesota Vikings organization, the ownership, the coaching, the P.T. (physical therapy) staff. Everybody has been there throughout the entire steps," he said. "There's still steps I have to go through, but from day one, they've texted me and called me to ask how I'm doing. They've had a plan set forward, and all I've done is attack that plan, and all they've done is prepare me for this step."

Hockenson will appear on Minnesota's injury report during the evaluation window. He was ruled out Friday from participating in Sunday's game against the New York Jets.